Tahir Ahmadiyya Muslim Senior Secondary school conducted a two-day training focused on sexual harassment and bullying in schools. This training specifically targeted students in recognizing that they are often the victims of these not only within school but also at home, at the hands of teachers, parents some civil servant, community members or guardians. As these category often and frequently come in contact with children.
The Gambia is a State Party to both the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and has enacted legislation in form of the Children’s Act of 2005 and amended of 2015 to protect children from all forms of harassment abuse. Schools serve as one of the most important nurturing places for the holistic development of the child. Teachers also have a unique position in the lives of children and thus they have an obligation to ensure children under their care are protected from all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation
The relevance of this training lies in its aim to break the silence around these sensitive but pressing issues and reporting mechanisms. Secondly to protect them from abuse by setting standards for appropriate behavior, and also to protect people who comes into contact with them from unfounded accusations of improper conduct. The training raised the awareness and understanding of what is and what is not an acceptable behavior towards them, and taught about staying safe from harm, and how to speak up if they have worries or concerns
Sexual harassment and bullying undermine students’ safety, dignity, and right to education, while also creating unfriendly learning environment and personal development. Addressing these challenges through this training was crucial in creating a safer environment for them. Given them guidance during this training on expected standards of behavior of adults towards them. It was raised that these applies to all staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders who may visit the school and come into direct contact with them, or be responsible for bringing children into contact with adults.
During the sessions, students were given the opportunity to share personal experiences in writing about being bullied or harassed. This approach not only validated their experiences but also allowed the facilitator to gather insights to inform meaningful interventions and strategies to break the silence.
By listening to the students’ voices, the training empowered them to speak out and seek support, while also encouraging them to report, reflecting on their roles in preventing and addressing such issues in schools. The training supported them to understand that Sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment should be reported to a trusted individual who could be the trained school gender focal person, human rights coordinator, principal, friend, teacher, care giver, guardian, school counselor, Police Child Welfare Unit or an NGO/CSOs, call 199/1313/1025. The complaint can be written or verbally reported and shall be documented in the presence of reliable witness.
The training brought together students laying the groundwork for mutual understanding and collaboration among themselves.
Members of the Human Rights Club have perform educational dramas to raise awareness among peers. The training reflects a proactive and student-led approach to promoting a safe and human rights-friendly school environment.